Science and Technology: Sustainable Futures at Earlscliffe Summer School for Teens

Course Description: Science and Technology: Sustainable Futures at Earlscliffe Summer School for Teens

Earlscliffe

Located in the seaside town of Folkestone, Kent—just 54 minutes from London—Earlscliffe is an independent sixth form college during the year and transforms into a vibrant international summer school in partnership with SBC and Dukes Education.

Part of our College Pathways this programme offers students the chance to explore academic subjects in depth while enjoying a lively summer school experience. With 20 hours of lessons each week, courses are enriched by collaborative and communicative project work that mirrors real-world contexts. A varied social programme, excursions, and evening events bring students together, creating opportunities for friendships and fun beyond their studies.

What's Included

• 20 hours of tuition per week

• Maximum class size of 12 students

• Two full-day trips, including an excursion to Central London, plus a Saturday afternoon trip and one evening trip per week.

• Balanced programme including sports, arts and crafts, and cultural events

• End of course report and certificate

• Accommodation and all meals included

• Comprehensive Travel Insurance

Course Description

The Science and Technology pathway at Earlscliffe centres on sustainable futures. Across two weeks you’ll explore how scientific knowledge and technological innovation can address global challenges such as energy, climate change and resource management.

The course introduces key concepts in environmental science, engineering and applied technology. You’ll study examples of sustainable projects worldwide and use these insights to guide your own work.

Practical activity is at the heart of the programme. You’ll design models, test prototypes and present demonstrations that show how science and technology can create solutions for a more sustainable world. These sessions develop both technical ability and creative problem-solving.

Collaboration is built into every stage. You’ll work with peers to research, design and present projects, mirroring the teamwork essential in scientific and technological fields.

Studying Science and Technology at Earlscliffe equips you with knowledge and practical experience relevant to future study in STEM and environmental disciplines. It prepares you to contribute ideas and solutions that support a more sustainable future.

• Module 1: Foundations of Sustainability in Science and Technology

• Module 2: Innovation and Applied Technology

• Module 3: Global Challenges and Future Solutions

Key Learning Objectives

• Explore the science behind sustainability: Study the environmental impact of energy, materials and technology, and examine the principles of sustainable development.

• Investigate solutions to global challenges: Analyse case studies on climate change, resource management and renewable energy to understand how science can address urgent issues.

• Gain hands-on experience with sustainable projects: Take part in practical experiments, design models and small-scale builds that demonstrate sustainable technologies in action.

• Collaborate on innovative green solutions: Work in teams to design and present sustainability projects, combining scientific knowledge with creativity and problem-solving.

Benefits

• Fieldwork: Fieldwork takes learning beyond the classroom and into the city. With a tutor to guide you, you’ll explore locations linked to your subject, carry out research on site and test ideas through practical experiments. These sessions connect theory with real-world settings, giving you a chance to see your subject in action while developing observational and analytical skills.

• Academic Coaching: Throughout the course, you will receive academic coaching to support your learning journey. Our experienced tutors will provide personalised feedback, help you refine your study techniques, and guide you in developing the critical thinking skills necessary for success in your field.

• Certificate of Achievement & Reference Letter: You will receive a Certificate of Achievement, recognising the skills and knowledge gained during your studies. In addition, you may request a personalised Letter of Reference, highlighting your academic progress and engagement providing valuable support for future university or career applications.

Optional Extras

During summer, you can enhance your experience by choosing one or more of our optional extras which offer something for everyone, from paddle boarding to paintball and theatre to the magic of Harry Potter. Please note the experiences listed below are an optional extra and not part of the standard programme. These activities can be booked at an additional cost and spaces are limited.

Accommodation

The eight Victorian and Edwardian buildings on the Earlscliffe campus have been renovated to provide comfortable residential and learning spaces. Located in Folkestone’s West End, Earlscliffe is within walking distance of the beach and the Leas promenade. The town center, with its shops and high-speed train link to London St Pancras, is also nearby.

Earlscliffe offers students quality student residences. Girls and boys live in separate, supervised accommodations. Rooms are mostly twin with a few select single or triple rooms and all have en-suite WC and showers. The ‘in-town’ campus means that students can walk between their classes, to meals, accommodation, and activities with ease.

Meals are held in the dining room. We offer a varied menu with a mixture of British and international cuisine. Dietary requirements can be catered to upon special request in advance of your course.